M4 bus lane to stay

The much-hated M4 bus lane between Heathrow and London is to stay, the Government announced today.

Transport minister John Spellar has decided to keep the scheme, but to raise the speed limit .

The lane was a £2-million pilot scheme when it opened 18 months ago, aimed at encouraging more commuters on to buses on one of the most congested stretches of motorway in the country.

But the AA and RAC believe that instead of lowering the traffic levels, cars are being pushed on to other roads.

The bus lane's speed limit will be increased from 50mph to 60mph, but the elevated section near Chiswick will remain at 40mph. The bus lane will also be opened to motorcyclists.

Mr Spellar said that the Highways Agency had reported that "it continues to alleviate peak congestion on this busy section".

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott championed the scheme, even though Tony Blair reportedly told him last year it should be abandoned after he became caught in an M4 traffic jam blamed on the bus lane.

But the evidence that the scheme has worked remains patchy. Rebecca Rees of the AA said earlier this year: "We remain unconvinced. We also want to see whether motorists are simply diverting away from the M4 and driving along other roads, such as the A4, making those more congested instead."